I think Zombie is an original guy who works better in his own crafted world. I loved his first two films, and the music video's he directs show wide and interesting images that capture the eye (or for me they do). His 70's low-budget style works for things that he crafts and creates and it works very well. But to try and conform his own view on things and fit it with someone elses work doesn't seem to blend very well. Of course, we only have 4 pieces of work to look at with Zombie. It's 2 and 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 for me with his films. The original parts he did for Halloween were pretty good, but seemed conformed to fit into a remake.
But he said last week in an interview, it's hard to make a film that's completely original these days and have a studio back it completely. The money and market really isn't speaking loud enough for original work right now.
I don't know why Zombie hasn't gone back to Lions-Gate, I don't know the situation there, but they seemed pretty good to him on Rejects, and were the only studio who took a chance on Corpses to get it released. I duno..